Posted by Laurie Randazzo on Tue, Aug 11, 2009 @ 02:05 PM
Thanks to recent declines in home values, it’s 60% more likely that your property taxes are too high, says the American Homeowners Association (AHA). The problem stems from the fact that property values have fallen unevenly across neighborhoods, towns and regions. As a result, you may be receiving an unfairly high assessment compared to other homes in your area.
We are often asked if property taxes can be lowered. Fortunately, there are ways to find out if you are being overcharged and steps you can take to get your property taxes lowered. Here are some steps to follow:
- To make sure you’re paying the right amount, get your detailed property tax assessment record online or from your assessor’s office. It’s possible your entire neighborhood has been over-assessed.
- To that end, check with us directly to get a solid understanding of what homes are currently selling for in your community. We can provide you with a detailed analysis of recent and comparable sales.
Call us direct: 781-729-6200 or email us at team@wesellwinchester.com
- Also check the accuracy of the details about your home used in your tax assessment. Determine if your property’s size and description are accurate. There’s a good chance that errors were made in transferring data from paper to online.
- Make sure details like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms are correct on your assessment and that any defects that could affect the value of your home—such as a leaky roof or cracked wall—are noted.
- If errors have made your assessment higher than it should be, try working informally with the assessor rather than going through a formal appeal process.
- If the correction cannot be made informally, you’ll need to make a formal appeal. There may even be a process for appealing your taxes online. Keep in mind that there is usually a narrow window of opportunity in which to file an appeal. Some jurisdictions set aside a time every year to hear appeals, while others only consider appeals for a few months after your house has been reassessed, which is often not every year. Find out exactly how much time you have to prepare your case.
- Make sure you file good documentation, such as an appraisal or letter from the original assessor. Without this, the likelihood of your appeal being considered is slim.
- Depending on your municipality, you might also be eligible for property-tax exemptions, which range from senior citizen and active-duty military exemptions to ones for those who own livestock.
Please e-mail us for more information on appealing your property taxes. We can provide important insight into current property values in our area and help you determine if you are potentially being overcharged. If you feel this information might also be of use to your family, friends and colleagues, please forward this email to them.
Let us know what you think about the values in your area.
Posted by Laurie Randazzo on Tue, Jan 06, 2009 @ 07:14 PM
A sense of luxury home ownership is experienced as you drive thru the port cochere. Enter the building thru elegant beveled french glass doors into the recently renovated resort like hallway with vibrant new carpeting and traditional details to your private sunny residence. In sought after Winchester neighborhood this unit features classic details including fluted carved mantle over marble fireplace, built in bookcases in inglenook off large living room, 12 foot ceilings on first floor with oversized windows and a view of the courtyard. Fabulous Textures including hand railing on staircase to second floor featuring built-in deacon’s bench at bottom of stairs. MasterBr has dbl vanity bath & 2 closets.
Click here or more information and pictures.
Thinking about selling your property? Curious about the value of your home or the market conditions in your neighborhood? Visit http://www.wesellwinchester.com/ and tell us about your home and its features. We will send you a report immediately.
You can also receive automatic updates monthly or quarterly. The choice is yours and it’s FREE! The Caci Randazzo Team is always willing to help you and will always respect your privacy.
The Caci Randazzo Team
RE/MAX Leading Edge 750 Main Street Winchester MA 01890
781-729-6200 • team@WeSellWinchester.comSearch Winchester Properties Winchester Market Conditions